January 2004

 Friends,

           The gifts are unwrapped.  The leftovers are finished.  The credit card statements will be here shortly.  The season is over.  Or is it?
          If we put our hope in gifts and feasts and Santa and tinsel and all that stuff, then we shouldn’t be surprised if we no longer have that “holiday spirit.”  But if we were able to put to use the joy, peace, and simplicity of Christmas, then maybe you feel as I do.  I’m still ready for Christmas!
          Our Christmas was simple in 2003.  Very few gifts.  Very few plans.  Just a time to be with family and friends.  A time to appreciate our church family, too.  A time to reflect on who Jesus is to me.  Yes, he’s my savior.  But he’s also my friend.  He’s the one who brought me and Marcia together.  He blessed us with our children.  He gave us strength for the trials we’ve seen -- and overcome. 
          This Christmas, it seemed that I’ve known Jesus a long time.  From his birth to his adulthood to his death.  He lived that life for me.  And for you.  And he died that death for me.  And for you.
          Now we must move our spirits away from Christmas -- but we must still keep that joy and expectation.  We must now direct our spirits away from the manger -- and up to the cross.  I spent the Advent season talking about getting ready.  And the thing we were getting for seems to have passed.  But Jesus’ life lives on.  In us.  Through us.  We’re about to change gears:  a new year, and a new focus as we begin our walk toward Easter:  another day of joy and anticipation! 
          Christmas and Easter: two mountaintop experiences in our faith.  But to get between mountaintops, we must walk through some valleys.  Let’s walk together.  Into tomorrow and throughout 2004.  Let’s face those trials armored with joy.  Let’s meet our troubles head-on with anticipation.  Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive -- between the holidays!
           Marcia and I wish you a blessed New Year,

 Pastor Jon West